A NEW arts and therapy centre could "fill the gap" left by a former arts college.

A portion of 28-30 Bellevue Terrace in Malvern has been turned into an arts and therapy centre by property developer Guthrie Roberts.

Independent businesses related to the arts and holistic therapies have already moved into the space, which was formerly the offices of Malvern Town Council.

Malvern Town councillor, Nick Houghton, said: "It's fantastic that the building has been refurbished and repurposed.

"There has been plenty of debate since the closure of the Malvern School of Art, and hopefully spaces like these can help fill that gap.

"People use arts and crafts as a form of self expression, and so this is a positive step for the town as a whole.

"It's always good to see more independent businesses in Malvern, and this centre will be a benefit to residents and visitors to the town."

A campaign to save Malvern School of Art, part of Malvern Hills College, was set up after its closure was announced.

However, the campaign disbanded last year.

Guthrie Roberts began the search for commercial tenants in February, and both Malvern Acupuncture Clinic and Malvern Holistic Therapies have moved into Bellevue Terrace already.

Managing Director of Guthrie Roberts, Ben Roberts, said: "I decided to turn part of the building into a space for arts and therapy to honour my mother, who was a physiotherapist by profession - but a healer in the broader sense of the word.

"So it's good to have the opportunity to provide space for these types of businesses, and one where they can thrive.

Malvern Community Art Therapy and Coach House Studio, the latter of which will host a collection of artists and their work, should open this month.

Mr Roberts said: "Malvern is well suited to art and holistic therapy offerings because the town attracts people who understand the value of them.

"The centre of Malvern now has a dedicated space where its tradition of arts and holistic therapies can continue."

On the building itself, Mr Roberts added: "Some of the rooms had been vacant for a long time and were in a bad state.

"But we have carried out redecoration to bring them back to life."